Parent-Child Interaction

Question 1

Underlying Theory

Answer 1

• Originally designed to treat children ages 2-8 with disruptive or externalising behavioural problems
• PCIT addresses the negative parent-child interaction patterns that contribute to the disruptive behavioural of young children (Bell and Eyberg, 2002)
• Parents learn to bond with their children and develop more effective parenting styles
• Parents learn to model and reinforce constructive ways for dealing with emotions such as frustration. In turn children respond to these healthier relationships and interactions
• As a result children typically show reductions in behavioural problems at school (McNeil & Hembree-Kigin, 2010)

Question 2

Techniques and Strategies

Answer 2

• Although PCIT is divided into two stages, relationship development (child-directed interaction) and discipline training (parent-directed interaction), there are also three distinct assessment periods (pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment).

Child-Directed Interaction
- The Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) portion of PCIT aims to develop a loving and nurturing bond between the parent and child through a form of play therapy. Parents are taught a list of “dos” and “don’ts” to use while interacting with their child. They will use these skills during a daily play period called special time.

PRIDE skills
Parents are taught an acronym of skills to use during special time with their children.
PRIDE stands for the following:
P – Praise
R – Reflect
I – Imitate
D – Describe
E – Enjoyment

• This acronym is a reminder that parents should describe the actions of their child, reflect upon what their child says, imitate the play of their child, praise their child’s positive actions, and try to enjoy the special time.
• Parent-Directed Interaction. The Parent-Directed Interaction portion of PCIT aims to teach the parent more effective means of disciplining their child through a form of play therapy and behavioural therapy. It can be used with maltreated children.

Question 3

Applications

Answer 3

• Children with emotional and behavioural problems
• Disruptive behaviour most common reason for referral
• Most commonly treated is oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder

Question 4

Evidence base

Answer 4

While PCIT is very effective in addressing certain types of problems, there are clear limitations to its use. For the following populations, PCIT may not be appropriate, or specific modifications to treatment may be needed: 


• Parents who have limited or no ongoing contact with their child 

• Parents with serious mental health problems that may include auditory or visual hallucinations or delusions 

• Parents who are hearing impaired and would have trouble using the ear bug device, or parents who have significant expressive or receptive language deficits 

• Sexually abusive parents, or parents engaging in sadistic physical abuse, or parents with substance abuse issues